Elastic imaging method, apparatus, electronic device, and elastic imaging system

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of elastic imaging, in particular to an elastic imaging method, an elastic imaging device, an electronic device and an elastic imaging system. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring real-time pressure applied by an elastic detection probe to a target region of a to-be-detected object, the elastic detection probe comprising an elastic detection module and a piezoelectric detection module, the elastic detection module having a first surface in contact with the to-be-detected object and a second surface away from the to-be-detected object, the piezoelectric detection module being arranged on the second surface of the elastic detection module and used for detecting the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target region; judging whether the real-time pressure meets a target pressure condition corresponding to the target region, determining and outputting a judgment result; and when the judgment result is that the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, controlling the elastic detection probe to generate a shear wave in the to-be-detected object. The elastic detection is performed only when the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe meets a detection condition, so that the accuracy of a detection result is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of elastic imaging technology, and more specifically to elastic imaging methods, devices, electronic devices, and elastic imaging systems. Background Technology

[0002] Elastography technology has been widely applied in various fields. In clinical applications, the elastic information of the acquired organism is usually converted into pseudo-color images familiar to doctors. This allows doctors to determine the mechanical properties of the tissue through the pseudo-color images, and then determine the elasticity test results based on the tissue's hardness. For the target area of ​​the object being tested, the contact pressure for accurate elastography needs to be controlled within a stable pressure range. During elastography, the operator (e.g., a doctor) typically holds the probe to perform the elastography scan, requiring the application of stable and appropriate pressure. Too little pressure will lead to unstable measurement, while too much pressure will cause discomfort to the subject. Therefore, relying solely on the doctor's experience to apply pressure makes it difficult to guarantee the accuracy of the elasticity measurement results. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide an elastic imaging method, apparatus, electronic device, and elastic imaging system to solve the problem of low accuracy of elasticity measurement results.

[0004] According to a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an elastic imaging method, comprising:

[0005] Real-time pressure is obtained between the target area of ​​the object under test and the elastic detection probe, wherein the elastic detection probe includes an elastic detection module and a pressure detection module, the elastic detection module has a first surface in contact with the object under test and a second surface away from the object under test, the piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module, and the piezoelectric detection module is used to detect the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area;

[0006] Determine whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, and determine and output the determination result;

[0007] When the judgment result indicates that the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, the elasticity detection probe is controlled to generate a shear wave inside the object under test in order to measure the elasticity of the object under test.

[0008] The elastic imaging method provided in this invention detects the real-time pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target area of ​​the object under test, determines whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, and outputs the judgment result in real time. This allows the operator to intuitively perceive the real-time pressure situation and easily adjust the contact pressure in a timely manner. Specifically, by displaying the judgment result of the real-time pressure and the target pressure condition of the target area in real time, elastic detection of the object under test is ensured only when the contact pressure is within a stable range. Therefore, it can reduce the difference in detection results caused by different operators during the detection process, and improve the accuracy and stability of the detection results. Simultaneously, a piezoelectric detection module is set on the second surface of the elastic detection module to quantitatively measure the pressure of the elastic detection probe in contact with the object under test. The piezoelectric detection module is located on the second surface of the elastic detection module, which is in direct contact with the operator, thereby accurately measuring the pressure applied by the operator.

[0009] In some implementations, the target pressure conditions corresponding to the target area are determined by means of:

[0010] Obtain the tissue identifier of the object under test and the target region;

[0011] The target pressure conditions are determined based on the tissue identifier of the object to be tested and the target area.

[0012] The elastic imaging method provided in this invention determines the target pressure condition by combining the tissue identifier of the object under test and the target area. It is closely related to the object under test and applies appropriate pressure to the object under test, which can ensure the accuracy and stability of subsequent elasticity detection.

[0013] In some implementations, determining whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, and determining and outputting the determination result, includes:

[0014] The real-time pressure is compared with the preset target pressure to determine the real-time pressure level.

[0015] The real-time display style of the real-time pressure level is determined based on the correspondence between the pressure level and the preset display style.

[0016] The real-time pressure is displayed on the imaging interface in the real-time display style.

[0017] The elastic imaging method provided in this invention provides different display styles corresponding to different pressure levels. By utilizing the correspondence between pressure levels and preset display styles, the real-time display style of the real-time pressure level is determined, thereby displaying the real-time pressure on the imaging interface in a real-time display style. This allows operators to intuitively understand the real-time pressure situation simply through the imaging interface, facilitating timely adjustment of the applied pressure and further ensuring the accuracy of elastic imaging.

[0018] In some embodiments, displaying the real-time pressure on the imaging interface in the real-time display style includes:

[0019] At least two pressure indicator lights are displayed on the imaging interface, and each pressure indicator light corresponds to a preset display style.

[0020] The pressure indicator light corresponding to the real-time display style is displayed in a first manner, and other pressure indicator lights are displayed in a second manner.

[0021] According to a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide an elastic imaging device, comprising:

[0022] An acquisition module is used to acquire the real-time pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area of ​​the object under test. The elastic detection probe includes an elastic detection module and a piezoelectric detection module. The elastic detection module has a first surface in contact with the object under test and a second surface away from the object under test. The piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module. The piezoelectric detection module is used to detect the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area.

[0023] The judgment module is used to determine whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, and to determine and output the judgment result;

[0024] The control module is used to control the elasticity detection probe to generate a shear wave inside the object under test when the judgment result is that the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, so as to measure the elasticity of the object under test.

[0025] In some implementations, the module for determining the target pressure conditions corresponding to the target area includes:

[0026] An acquisition unit is used to acquire the tissue identifier of the object to be tested and the target region;

[0027] The contact pressure determination unit is used to determine the target pressure conditions based on the tissue identification of the object to be tested and the target area.

[0028] In some implementations, the determination module includes:

[0029] The comparison unit is used to compare the real-time pressure with the preset target pressure to determine the real-time pressure level.

[0030] The determining unit is used to determine the real-time display style of the real-time pressure level based on the correspondence between the pressure level and the preset display style;

[0031] The display unit is used to display the real-time pressure on the imaging interface in the real-time display style.

[0032] According to a third aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide an electronic device, comprising:

[0033] The invention includes a memory and a processor, which are communicatively connected to each other. The memory stores computer instructions, and the processor executes the computer instructions to perform the elastic imaging method described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for causing a computer to perform the elastic imaging method described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an elastic imaging system, comprising:

[0036] An elastic detection probe includes an elastic detection module and a piezoelectric detection module. The elastic detection module has a first surface in contact with the object to be measured and a second surface away from the object to be measured. The piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module. The piezoelectric detection module is used to detect the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area.

[0037] The host is used to acquire the real-time pressure applied by the elasticity detection probe to the target area of ​​the object under test, determine whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, determine and output the judgment result, and when the judgment result is that the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, control the elasticity detection probe to generate a shear wave inside the object under test to measure the elasticity of the object under test.

[0038] The elastic imaging system provided in this invention can quantitatively measure the pressure between the elastic detection probe and the object under test in real time, and perform elastic detection of the object under test only when the pressure is within a stable range. Therefore, it can reduce the difference in detection results caused by different operators during the detection process and improve the accuracy and stability of the detection results. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an elastic imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an elastic imaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of an elastic imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] The elastography method provided in this invention performs elastography only when the pressure applied by the elastography probe to the test object is within a stable range. This reduces the variation in test results caused by different operators, improving the accuracy and stability of the results. The target pressure condition is the contact pressure (i.e., the applied pressure) corresponding to the target area, which can be a preset pressure value or a preset pressure range. Different target areas of the same test object may have the same or different target pressure conditions. During elastography, the judgment results of the real-time pressure and the target pressure condition of the target area are output in real time, allowing the operator to intuitively perceive the real-time pressure situation and make timely adjustments. The test object can be the tissue to be tested, such as breast, liver, thyroid, etc., and the target area is the detection area of ​​the tissue, which can be the deep or superficial area of ​​the tissue, etc.

[0046] Therefore, the elastography method is related to real-time pressure, which is obtained through an elastography probe. The following description will first detail the elastography probe, followed by the elastography method and system.

[0047] This elasticity detection probe includes an elasticity detection module and a piezoelectric detection module. The elasticity detection module transmits ultrasonic signals to the object under test and receives the corresponding echo signals to obtain elasticity detection data. This module has a first surface in contact with the object under test and a second surface away from the object. The elasticity detection module includes an ultrasonic transducer, which converts electrical signals into ultrasonic signals and transmits them to the object under test. Simultaneously, it receives the ultrasonic signals reflected back from the object under test and converts them back into electrical signals. The specific structure of the elasticity detection module is not limited here; it can be configured according to actual needs.

[0048] A piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module and is used to detect the pressure applied to the target area by the elastic detection probe. The piezoelectric detection module is stacked on the second surface of the elastic detection module, and the first surface of the elastic detection module is in contact with the object to be measured. This piezoelectric detection module is used to convert the force signal applied to the elastic detection probe into an electrical signal, thereby measuring the magnitude of the force signal. Based on this, the piezoelectric detection module can be a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor includes, but is not limited to, a piezoelectric pressure sensor, a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, or an electromagnetic pressure sensor. No specific type of pressure sensor is limited here; it is determined according to actual needs.

[0049] The elasticity testing probe may also include a shear wave excitation module for generating shear waves inside the object under test. The shear wave excitation module can be a vibrator, an ultrasonic transducer, etc. When the shear wave excitation module is an ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer used to excite the shear wave can be different from or the same as the ultrasonic transducer in the elasticity testing module.

[0050] Next, the description will take an ultrasonic transducer as an example to illustrate the shear wave excitation module. In this embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic transducer used to excite the shear wave is the same as the ultrasonic transducer in the elasticity detection module, so the elasticity detection probe does not need to include a shear wave excitation module. Accordingly, the elasticity imaging process includes: the operator holding the elasticity detection probe so that the first surface of the elasticity detection module in the elasticity detection probe contacts the object under test and applies a corresponding pressure to the object under test. Based on this, the detection area of ​​the object under test will deform. The greater the deformation, the greater the applied pressure. The real-time pressure applied by the elasticity detection probe to the object under test is detected by the piezoelectric detection module, and the system host determines whether the actual pressure applied by the elasticity detection probe meets the detection conditions (i.e., the target pressure condition). When the real-time pressure meets the detection conditions, the system host controls the ultrasonic transducer of the elasticity detection probe to emit ultrasonic signals to the target area of ​​the object under test, focusing and generating acoustic radiation force in the target area, thereby generating shear waves inside the object under test. The system host also controls the ultrasonic transducer to emit ultrasonic signals and receive the echo signals of the ultrasonic signals. Since the ultrasonic signals can track the propagation of the shear waves, the echo signals contain the elasticity detection data of the object under test. The system host acquires the echo signal and processes it to obtain the elasticity measurement result of the object under test.

[0051] A piezoelectric detection module is installed on the second surface of the elastic detection module to quantitatively measure the pressure of the contact between the elastic detection probe and the object to be tested. Because the piezoelectric detection module is located on the second surface of the elastic detection module, the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area can be accurately measured. Performing elastic testing when the quantitatively measured pressure meets the testing requirements reduces the variation in test results caused by operator actions during the testing process.

[0052] This invention provides an elastic imaging method, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the host computer used in the elastography system includes:

[0053] S11, acquire the real-time pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area of ​​the object under test.

[0054] The elastic detection probe includes an elastic detection module and a pressure detection module. The elastic detection module has a first surface that contacts the object to be tested and a second surface that is away from the object to be tested. The piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module and is used to detect the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area.

[0055] For specific structural details regarding the elasticity detection probe, please refer to the above description; they will not be repeated here. The elasticity detection probe transmits the measured real-time pressure to the host unit, which then obtains that real-time pressure.

[0056] S12, determine whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, and determine and output the judgment result.

[0057] The target pressure condition is the standard contact pressure of the target area. The pressure value can be set based on different target areas, or it can be set in conjunction with the basic information of the target area and the object being measured, etc., without any limitations. The target pressure condition is not limited to a specific value; it can also be a pressure range. For example, for target area A, the target pressure condition is a1 N to a2 N; for target area B, the target pressure condition is b1 N to b2 N.

[0058] It should be noted that the target pressure conditions for different target areas may have the same pressure value. For example, the target pressure condition for target area A is 0-2N, the target pressure condition for target area B is 0.002-5N, and so on.

[0059] Determine whether the real-time pressure measured by the elasticity detection probe meets the target pressure condition, and determine the judgment result. The judgment result can be greater than the target pressure condition, less than the target pressure condition, or meet the target pressure condition. If the target pressure condition is a pressure range, a judgment result that is less than the pressure range is called less than the target pressure condition; a judgment result that is greater than the pressure range is called greater than the target pressure condition; and a judgment result that falls within the pressure range is called meet the target pressure condition.

[0060] After determining the judgment result, the result is output. The method of outputting the judgment result includes, but is not limited to, image output, text output, or voice output, etc. There are no restrictions on it here, and the specific settings are based on actual needs.

[0061] S13, when the judgment result is that the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, control the elasticity detection probe to generate a shear wave inside the object to be tested in order to measure the elasticity of the object to be tested.

[0062] The elastic imaging method provided in this embodiment detects the real-time pressure between the elastic detection probe and the target area of ​​the object under test, determines whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, and outputs the judgment result in real time. This allows the operator to intuitively perceive the real-time pressure situation and easily adjust the contact pressure in a timely manner. Specifically, by displaying the judgment result of the real-time pressure and the target pressure condition of the target area in real time, it ensures that elastic detection of the object under test is only performed when the contact pressure is within a stable range. Therefore, it can reduce the difference in detection results caused by different operators during the detection process, and improve the accuracy and stability of the detection results. Simultaneously, a piezoelectric detection module is set on the second surface of the elastic detection module to quantitatively measure the contact pressure between the elastic detection probe and the object under test. The piezoelectric detection module is located on the second surface of the elastic detection module, which is in direct contact with the operator, thereby accurately measuring the pressure applied by the operator.

[0063] In some embodiments, the present invention also provides an elastic imaging method, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes:

[0064] S21, acquire the real-time pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area of ​​the object under test.

[0065] The elastic detection probe includes an elastic detection module and a pressure detection module. The elastic detection module has a first surface that contacts the object to be tested and a second surface that is away from the object to be tested. The piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module and is used to detect the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area.

[0066] Please see details Figure 1 S11 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described again here.

[0067] S22, determine whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, and determine and output the judgment result.

[0068] Specifically, S22 includes:

[0069] S221 compares the real-time pressure with the preset target pressure to determine the real-time pressure level.

[0070] The real-time pressure level is indicated by factors such as whether it is too high, normal, or too low. The real-time pressure level can be accurately determined by comparing it with a preset target pressure. The preset target pressure is the target pressure condition described above.

[0071] In some implementations, the target pressure conditions are determined in the following ways:

[0072] (1) Obtain the organizational identifier and target area of ​​the object to be tested.

[0073] (2) Determine the target pressure conditions based on the tissue identification of the object to be tested and the target area.

[0074] The tissue identifier and target area of ​​the test subject can be input interactively by the operator, determined by locating the tissue and target area through ultrasound imaging, or determined by other methods; no limitations are imposed here. Specifically, tissue identifiers can distinguish different tissues, and obtaining the tissue identifier can identify which specific tissue of the test subject is being tested. To improve the accuracy of the test results, different target areas of the same tissue can correspond to different target pressure conditions. For example, the deep and superficial areas of the liver can correspond to two different target pressure conditions. As mentioned above, the target pressure condition can be a target pressure value or a target pressure range.

[0075] Specifically, contact pressure in the same target area under the same and different organizations can be collected through big data methods, and the target pressure conditions corresponding to the organization and target area can be determined through statistical analysis.

[0076] The determination of the target pressure condition is obtained by combining the tissue identification of the test object and the target area. It is closely related to the test object. Applying appropriate pressure to the test object can ensure the accuracy and stability of subsequent elasticity testing.

[0077] S222, determine the real-time display style of the real-time pressure level based on the correspondence between the pressure level and the preset display style.

[0078] Preset display styles include, but are not limited to, preset fill colors, preset fill lines, or preset highlighting methods, etc., which can be set according to actual needs. Each preset display style corresponds to a pressure level. After the processing in S221 above, the real-time pressure level is determined, and correspondingly, the real-time display style of the real-time pressure level can be obtained.

[0079] S223 displays real-time pressure in a real-time display style on the imaging interface.

[0080] The imaging interface is the display interface of the elastic imaging system, on which real-time pressure is displayed using a real-time display style.

[0081] In some embodiments, S223 includes:

[0082] (1) Display at least two pressure indicator lights on the imaging interface, and the pressure indicator lights correspond one-to-one with the preset display style.

[0083] (2) Display the pressure indicator corresponding to the real-time display style in the first mode, and display other pressure indicator in the second mode.

[0084] Real-time pressure is displayed using pressure indicator lights, with at least two pressure indicator lights shown on the imaging interface. Each pressure indicator light corresponds to a preset display pattern. For example, a pressure reading that is too high is displayed in red, an equal pressure reading in blue, and a pressure reading that is too low in yellow. After determining the real-time display pattern, the corresponding color is used to illuminate the pressure indicator light. Accordingly, the first method is to illuminate the corresponding pressure indicator light with the appropriate color, and the second method is to leave it unilluminated.

[0085] For example, the imaging interface displays three pressure indicator lights: a red pressure indicator, a blue pressure indicator, and a yellow pressure indicator. When the real-time pressure is less than the preset target pressure, the yellow pressure indicator light illuminates; when the real-time pressure is equal to the preset target pressure, the green pressure indicator light illuminates; and when the real-time pressure is greater than the preset target pressure, the red pressure indicator light illuminates.

[0086] S23, when the judgment result is that the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, the elasticity detection probe is controlled to generate a shear wave inside the object to be tested in order to measure the elasticity of the object to be tested.

[0087] Please see details Figure 1 S13 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described again here.

[0088] The elastic imaging method provided in this embodiment uses different display styles corresponding to different pressure levels. By utilizing the correspondence between pressure levels and preset display styles, the real-time display style of the real-time pressure level is determined, thereby displaying the real-time pressure on the imaging interface in a real-time display style. This allows operators to know the real-time pressure situation simply by looking at the imaging interface, without having to pay attention to other places, further ensuring the accuracy of elastic imaging.

[0089] This embodiment also provides an elastic imaging device, which is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments. Details that have been described will not be repeated here.

[0090] This embodiment provides an elastic imaging device, such as... Figure 3 As shown, it includes:

[0091] The acquisition module 31 is used to acquire the real-time pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area of ​​the object under test. The elastic detection probe includes an elastic detection module and a piezoelectric detection module. The elastic detection module has a first surface in contact with the object under test and a second surface away from the object under test. The piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module. The piezoelectric detection module is used to detect the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area.

[0092] The judgment module 32 is used to determine whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, and to determine and output the judgment result;

[0093] The control module 33 is used to control the elasticity detection probe to generate a shear wave inside the object under test when the judgment result is that the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, so as to measure the elasticity of the object under test.

[0094] In some implementations, the module for determining the target pressure conditions corresponding to the target area includes:

[0095] An acquisition unit is used to acquire the tissue identifier of the object to be tested and the target region;

[0096] The contact pressure determination unit is used to determine the target pressure conditions based on the tissue identification of the object to be tested and the target area.

[0097] In some embodiments, the determination module 32 includes:

[0098] The comparison unit is used to compare the real-time pressure with the preset target pressure to determine the real-time pressure level.

[0099] The determining unit is used to determine the real-time display style of the real-time pressure level based on the correspondence between the pressure level and the preset display style;

[0100] The display unit is used to display the real-time pressure on the imaging interface in the real-time display style.

[0101] In some embodiments, the display unit includes:

[0102] The third display subunit is used to display at least two pressure indicator lights on the imaging interface, and the pressure indicator lights correspond one-to-one with the preset display style.

[0103] The fourth display subunit is used to display the pressure indicator corresponding to the real-time display style in a first manner, and to display other pressure indicator lights in a second manner.

[0104] In this embodiment, the elastic imaging device is presented in the form of a functional unit. Here, a unit refers to an ASIC circuit, a processor and memory that execute one or more software or fixed programs, and / or other devices that can provide the above-mentioned functions.

[0105] Further functional descriptions of the above modules are the same as those in the corresponding embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0106] This disclosure also provides an electronic device, such as a host in an elastography system, which has the above-described features. Figure 3 The elastic imaging device shown.

[0107] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an optional embodiment of this disclosure, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the electronic device may include: at least one processor 51, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one communication interface 53, memory 54, and at least one communication bus 52. The communication bus 52 is used to enable communication between these components. The communication interface 53 may include a display screen or a keyboard; optionally, the communication interface 53 may also include a standard wired interface or a wireless interface. The memory 54 may be high-speed RAM (Random Access Memory) or non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. Optionally, the memory 54 may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 51. The processor 51 may be combined with... Figure 3 The described apparatus has an application program stored in memory 54, and the processor 51 calls the program code stored in memory 54 to perform any of the above method steps.

[0108] The communication bus 52 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The communication bus 52 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 4 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0109] The memory 54 may include volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM); the memory may also include non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD); the memory 54 may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0110] The processor 51 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of CPU and NP.

[0111] Optionally, memory 54 is also used to store program instructions. Processor 51 can invoke program instructions to implement the elastic imaging method as shown in any embodiment of this application.

[0112] This disclosure also provides a non-transitory computer storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that can execute the elastic imaging method in any of the above method embodiments. The storage medium may be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD), etc.; the storage medium may also include combinations of the above types of memory.

[0113] This invention also provides an elastic imaging system, including an elastic detection probe and a main unit. Specific structural details of the elastic detection probe are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0114] The host computer is communicatively connected to the elasticity detection probe and is used for elasticity detection control based on the real-time pressure measured by the probe. Specifically, the host computer also acquires the real-time pressure applied by the probe to the target area of ​​the object under test, determines whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, and outputs the determination result. When the determination result indicates that the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, the host computer controls the elasticity detection probe to generate a shear wave inside the object under test to measure the elasticity of the object. For details regarding the specific steps of the host computer's elasticity imaging method, please refer to the above description, which will not be repeated here.

[0115] The detection process involving the host and the elasticity detection probe has been described above and will not be repeated here. Specifically, the host processes the echo signal received by the elasticity detection probe to obtain one or more parameters among displacement, velocity, strain, strain rate, elastic modulus, and other quantitative parameters. Based on the obtained parameters, the elasticity measurement result of the object under test is determined.

[0116] The communication connection between the host and the elastic detection probe can be wired or wireless, depending on the specific requirements.

[0117] The imaging types of elastography systems include, but are not limited to: (1) displacement or strain imaging, including strain elastography (SE) and acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (AFRI), where AFRI stands for virtual touch imaging (VTI / AFRI); (2) shear wave elastography, including transient elastography (TE), point shear wave elastography (pSWE), and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE); and so on. Based on this, the elasticity detection probe can be an AFRI probe, a SWE probe, or a TE probe.

[0118] The elastic imaging system provided in this embodiment can quantitatively measure the pressure between the elastic detection probe and the object under test in real time, and perform elastic detection on the object under test only when the pressure meets the detection conditions. Therefore, it can reduce the difference in detection results caused by different operators during the detection process and improve the accuracy and stability of the detection results.

[0119] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elastic imaging method, characterized in that, include: The real-time pressure applied by an elastic detection probe to a target area of ​​a test object is obtained. The elastic detection probe includes an elastic detection module and a piezoelectric detection module. The elastic detection module has a first surface in contact with the test object and a second surface away from the test object. The piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module and is used to detect the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area. Determine whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, and determine and output the determination result; When the judgment result is that the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, the elasticity detection probe is controlled to generate a shear wave inside the object under test in order to measure the elasticity of the object under test. The method for determining the target pressure conditions corresponding to the target area includes: The tissue identifier and target region of the test object are obtained; wherein, the tissue identifier and target region of the test object are determined by locating the tissue and target region through ultrasound imaging; different target regions of the same tissue correspond to different target pressure conditions; Determining the target pressure conditions based on the tissue identifier of the object to be tested and the target area includes: Based on big data methods, the contact pressure of the same target area under the same and different organizations is collected to determine the target pressure conditions corresponding to each organization's identifier and target area. The step of determining whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, and determining and outputting the determination result, includes: The real-time pressure is compared with the preset target pressure to determine the real-time pressure level. The real-time display style of the real-time pressure level is determined based on the correspondence between the pressure level and the preset display style. The real-time pressure is displayed on the imaging interface in the real-time display style. The method of controlling the elastic detection probe to generate a shear wave inside the object under test includes: controlling the ultrasonic transducer of the elastic detection probe to emit an ultrasonic signal toward the target area of ​​the object under test, focusing the signal within the target area to generate acoustic radiation force, thereby generating a shear wave inside the object under test; wherein the ultrasonic transducer used to excite the shear wave is the same as the ultrasonic transducer that emits the ultrasonic signal. The measurement of the elasticity of the object under test includes: acquiring the echo signal of the ultrasonic signal that tracks the propagation of the shear wave, processing the echo signal to obtain one or more parameters among displacement, velocity, strain, strain rate and elastic modulus, and determining the elasticity measurement result of the object under test based on the obtained parameters.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Displaying the real-time pressure on the imaging interface in the real-time display style includes: At least two pressure indicator lights are displayed on the imaging interface, and the pressure indicator lights correspond one-to-one with the preset display style; The pressure indicator light corresponding to the real-time display style is displayed in a first manner, and other pressure indicator lights are displayed in a second manner.

3. An elastic imaging device, characterized in that, include: An acquisition module is used to acquire the real-time pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area of ​​the object under test. The elastic detection probe includes an elastic detection module and a piezoelectric detection module. The elastic detection module has a first surface in contact with the object under test and a second surface away from the object under test. The piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module. The piezoelectric detection module is used to detect the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area. The judgment module is used to determine whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, and to determine and output the judgment result; The control module is used to control the elasticity detection probe to generate a shear wave inside the object under test when the judgment result is that the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, so as to measure the elasticity of the object under test; The module for determining the target pressure conditions corresponding to the target area includes: The acquisition unit is used to acquire the tissue identifier and the target area of ​​the test object, wherein the tissue identifier and the target area of ​​the test object are determined by locating the tissue and the target area through ultrasound imaging; different target areas of the same tissue correspond to different target pressure conditions; The contact pressure determination unit is used to determine the target pressure conditions based on the tissue identification of the object to be tested and the target area, specifically including: Based on big data methods, the contact pressure of the same target area under the same and different organizations is collected to determine the target pressure conditions corresponding to each organization's identifier and target area. The judgment module includes: The comparison unit is used to compare the real-time pressure with the preset target pressure to determine the real-time pressure level. The determining unit is used to determine the real-time display style of the real-time pressure level based on the correspondence between the pressure level and the preset display style; The display unit is used to display the real-time pressure on the imaging interface in the real-time display style; The control module is used to: control the ultrasonic transducer of the elastic detection probe to emit ultrasonic signals toward the target area of ​​the object under test, and focus the signal to generate acoustic radiation force in the target area to generate shear waves inside the object under test; wherein the ultrasonic transducer used to excite the shear waves is the same as the ultrasonic transducer that emits the ultrasonic signals. The control module is further configured to: acquire the echo signal of the ultrasonic signal that tracks the propagation of the shear wave, process the echo signal to obtain one or more parameters among displacement, velocity, strain, strain rate and elastic modulus, and determine the elastic measurement result of the object under test based on the obtained parameters.

4. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The system includes a memory and a processor, which are communicatively connected to each other. The memory stores computer instructions, and the processor executes the computer instructions to perform the elastic imaging method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions for causing a computer to perform the elastic imaging method of claim 1 or 2.

6. An elastic imaging system, characterized in that, include: An elastic detection probe includes an elastic detection module and a piezoelectric detection module. The elastic detection module has a first surface that contacts the object to be measured and a second surface that is away from the object to be measured. The piezoelectric detection module is disposed on the second surface of the elastic detection module. The piezoelectric detection module is used to detect the pressure applied by the elastic detection probe to the target area. The host is used to acquire the real-time pressure applied by the elasticity detection probe to the target area of ​​the object under test, determine whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, determine and output the judgment result, and when the judgment result is that the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition, control the elasticity detection probe to generate a shear wave inside the object under test to measure the elasticity of the object under test. The method for determining the target pressure conditions corresponding to the target area includes: The tissue identifier and target region of the test object are obtained; wherein, the tissue identifier and target region of the test object are determined by locating the tissue and target region through ultrasound imaging; different target regions of the same tissue correspond to different target pressure conditions; Determining the target pressure conditions based on the tissue identifier of the object to be tested and the target area includes: Based on big data methods, the contact pressure of the same target area under the same and different organizations is collected to determine the target pressure conditions corresponding to each organization's identifier and target area. The step of determining whether the real-time pressure meets the target pressure condition corresponding to the target area, and determining and outputting the determination result, includes: The real-time pressure is compared with the preset target pressure to determine the real-time pressure level. The real-time display style of the real-time pressure level is determined based on the correspondence between the pressure level and the preset display style. The real-time pressure is displayed on the imaging interface in the real-time display style. The method of controlling the elastic detection probe to generate a shear wave inside the object under test includes: controlling the ultrasonic transducer of the elastic detection probe to emit an ultrasonic signal toward the target area of ​​the object under test, focusing the signal within the target area to generate acoustic radiation force, thereby generating a shear wave inside the object under test; wherein the ultrasonic transducer used to excite the shear wave is the same as the ultrasonic transducer that emits the ultrasonic signal. The measurement of the elasticity of the object under test includes: acquiring the echo signal of the ultrasonic signal that tracks the propagation of the shear wave, processing the echo signal to obtain one or more parameters among displacement, velocity, strain, strain rate and elastic modulus, and determining the elasticity measurement result of the object under test based on the obtained parameters.

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